LAPD raises money to get new leg braces for boy with cerebral palsy

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Police Department is working to raise money to help a 9-year-old boy with cerebral palsy receive new orthopedic leg braces after his old pair was stolen on June 9.

Geovanni Ramirez needs a wheelchair to get around, and his legs are in casts as he waits for his new braces to be made. His original braces were stolen when a suspect broke into his family's SUV.

He cannot walk without the braces. LAPD officers, cadets and the Eagle and Badge Foundation are collection money to help out his family. So far $3,000 has been collected.

"Newton Division is an incredibly tough place to be a cop, but it's an even a tougher place to be a kid, especially a kid born with a disability," LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said.

Beck said the theft of the leg braces is a financial hardship for the Ramirez family. Geovanni will also need to be fitted for his new braces.

He added that he believes the community will come through for Geovanni. A GoFundMe page has been set up called Leg Braces for Geovanni.